Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antithetical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antithetical are contradictory, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When can contradictory be used instead of antithetical?

While in some cases nearly identical to antithetical, contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid.

made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall

When might contrary be a better fit than antithetical?

While the synonyms contrary and antithetical are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

In what contexts can opposite take the place of antithetical?

The meanings of opposite and antithetical largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of antithetical The end result is far fewer roster spots at the Division-I level, which would seem antithetical to the NCAA’s overall mission. Joe Sabin, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 At the 2024 Rose Ball, Princess Charlene opted for attire that was seemingly antithetical to her 2025 look. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025 To begin with, Trump froze all research funding so that the administration could decide what should be funded and to be sure that the research was not in any way antithetical to U.S. policies especially those supporting DEI. Lucie Lapovsky, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 This history suggests that steep staffing cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs would be antithetical to how the U.S. has cared for veterans for nearly two centuries. Made By History, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antithetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antithetical
Adjective
  • These errant policies include the 340B drug discount program, which now has the contradictory impact of raising overall drug prices.
    Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Where exactly is the United States’ economy amid these contradictory signals?
    Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • This is a contrary indicator as these levels are often seen at important market bottoms.
    Tom Aspray, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • Although the concession was made in pending litigation and not through other IRS guidance, employers should be prepared to raise the issue and cite the government’s motion, especially if the IRS takes a contrary position in denying an ERC claim under the partial suspension test.
    Matthew Roberts, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, at the opposite end of the spectrum, a new fad is emerging: caveman skin.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 12 May 2025
  • The effect on Sully is almost opposite — home tightens its grip, but in a good way.
    Anne Kniggendorf, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antithetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antithetical. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antithetical

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